No. 42 Squadron RNZAF
This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. (February 2013) |
No. 42 Squadron RNZAF | |
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Active | December 1943 – present |
Country | Squadron Leader Freddy Ferris |
Insignia | |
Squadron Badge | Kererū perched superimposed on a terrestrial globe on which New Zealand is highlighted. |
No. 42 Squadron is an active transport squadron of the
TBF Avengers flown by 42 Squadron pilots were involved in the first aerial topdressing trials carried out in the world, spreading superphosphate fertiliser alongside the runways at RNZAF Ohakea. Their main purpose was to tow gunnery targets (drogues and banners) for air-to-air gunnery and for the navy and army. The P-51 Mustang also provided high-speed towing of banner targets, especially for de Havilland Vampire jets, and was used extensively for co-operation in army manoeuvres.
Transformation and VIP role
The role of the squadron gradually changed to
The reliable but aging Dakotas were retired in 1977 and replaced by four Hawker Siddeley Andover twin-engine transports. Two were converted to full VIP configuration; one was semi-converted and one remained in the utility configuration.
To accommodate the reformed No. 2 Squadron RNZAF and its Douglas A-4 Skyhawks at Ohakea in 1984, 42 Squadron moved to RNZAF Whenuapai near Auckland and absorbed the Andovers of No. 1 Squadron which was disbanded. The squadron then had ten Andovers.
Peacekeeping role
In 1988 a Hawker Siddeley Andover joined the United Nations Iran–Iraq Military Observer Group (UNIIMOG). The detachment of 17 personnel and aircraft were based at Tehran until withdrawn in December 1990. In 1993 three 42 Squadron Andovers went to Somalia to join the United States-led Unified Task Force (UNTAF). Based at Mogadishu, they flew air transport support missions for the force.[1]
Training Role
Four Andovers were withdrawn from service in 1997 and the remainder in 1998. They were replaced by leased Beechcraft Model B200 King Airs. The leasing of aircraft was a new venture for the RNZAF, with a commercial contractor providing maintenance support to the aircraft on site. The workload for the aircraft is multi-engine conversion training of pilots qualified to fly single engine aircraft, continuation training for multi-engine qualified pilots and a limited VIP transport role around New Zealand.
A photo of NZ2351, the first of the King Airs, at Ohakea in September 2018 can be seen here.
The squadron returned to Ohakea in January 2002. It continued operating four B200 King Airs as part of the flying training wing. In 2018 the RNZAF leased four
In July 2020, New Zealand
See also
- 437 (Husky) Transport Squadron and 412 Transport Squadron
- No. 32 (The Royal) Squadron
- No. 34 Squadron RAAF
- No. 38 Squadron RAAF
References
- ^ "The Post War Years". RNZAF. Retrieved 28 January 2016.
- ^ "New lease on life". NZ Govt. Retrieved 10 May 2018.
- ^ "Hawker Pacific delivers special missions capability to NZDF". 9 July 2020.
- ^ "Hawker Pacific delivers special missions capability to NZDF". 9 July 2020.